Disgraced ‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollet’s Family Ties To Louisiana

The career of "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett is in questions as the FOX show announced his character has been written off the final two episodes of the season. But as details of the allegedly staged attack come to light, questions have come up about his family. A quick Google shows he has roots right here in Lousiana.

The Smolletts, a photogenic and exuberant family of authors, performers, home cooks, writers and artists, seem to be just about everywhere these days. On Saturday (July 7), three of them will be at Essence Festival, which runs Thursday through Sunday in New Orleans.

According to a story in the New York Times, Jussie Smollett's mom is from New Orleans. There has also been a lot written about her interesting background as a civil rights activist and self-proclaimed member of the Black Panther Party. Smollett's father is of Russian descent.